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GreekGirlCooks

Active member
I just got back from Greece and one thing I noticed, which I didn't realize about Greece, is that there were a fair amount of pasta dishes on the menu.

As a kid, we didn't eat a lot of pasta. All we did was make a Greek-style meat sauce with spaghetti, pastitsio, and a pasta dish that involves an egg that I believe came from some family members that were from the Peloponnese.

What else do people make? I see a lot of Italian inspired pasta dishes. Are they any traditionally Greek dishes.
 
All the typical Italian pasta dishes I would see on menus occasionally. There are also some Greek pasta dishes I love:

- Pasta sauce made with Greek yogurt. It looks and tastes a bit like Alfredo, but a little tangier.
- Pasta dish made with olive oil, fried egg, and grated cheese. I think this dish may have come from somewhere in the Peloponnese. My family has roots there and we made it all the time.
- Greek meat sauce with a thinner tomato sauce than the Italian version, and spiced with some cinnamon!
- Pastitsio - the baked meat and macaroni dish - sometimes called Greek Lasagna, but it isn't really that
 
All the typical Italian pasta dishes I would see on menus occasionally. There are also some Greek pasta dishes I love:

- Pasta sauce made with Greek yogurt. It looks and tastes a bit like Alfredo, but a little tangier.
- Pasta dish made with olive oil, fried egg, and grated cheese. I think this dish may have come from somewhere in the Peloponnese. My family has roots there and we made it all the time.
- Greek meat sauce with a thinner tomato sauce than the Italian version, and spiced with some cinnamon!
- Pastitsio - the baked meat and macaroni dish - sometimes called Greek Lasagna, but it isn't really that
Oh my yeeesss, the pasta with the fried egg hails from the region of mani and it is called Tzouxti.
It is a simple dish that the ladies from Mani would make because they were to busy working the fields that they needed some quick easy and affordable (since meat back in the day was a luxury).
 
Oh my yeeesss, the pasta with the fried egg hails from the region of mani and it is called Tzouxti.
It is a simple dish that the ladies from Mani would make because they were to busy working the fields that they needed some quick easy and affordable (since meat back in the day was a luxury).
That's fascinating I never knew the dish name was called Tzouchti - for my pappou and dad it was comfort food - I always suspected that side of the family was from Mani but we never talked about it for some reason.
 

Preserving Fresh Herbs Options?

I have fresh herbs growing beautifully in my yard right now, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, and a few others I use all the time in my Greek cooking. I dry oregano every year, but I’m wondering what other methods people use to preserve fresh herbs beyond just drying.

For example, can you freeze dill without it turning brown or losing flavor? What about mint, has anyone had luck preserving it in ice cubes or oil? I’d love to have a supply that still tastes vibrant when I cook things like yemista, dolmades, or spanakopita in the winter months.

Are there any Greek-style herb pastes or traditional methods that people still use? I’ve heard of storing parsley in lemon juice, but I’ve never tried it. I’d really love to keep the flavor of summer going year-round, especially since these herbs are such a big part of how I cook.

My Favorite Greek Ladokoulourakia Recipe

I love these olive oil cookies - I first had them in Greece and have been making them ever since.

Ingredients:​

  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves (optional, but I love it)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour
  • Optional: sesame seeds for topping

Instructions:​

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves.
  3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. It should not stick to your hands.
  4. Shape into small ropes (~4–5 inches) and form into twists or rings.
  5. Place on baking sheet. Optional: brush with a little orange juice and sprinkle sesame seeds.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Homemade Gyro Meat?

I absolutely love gyros, but I’ve never been a fan of the store-bought meat—it always tastes a bit too processed for me. I’m thinking about trying to make my own gyro meat at home, but I’m not sure where to start. Is it as simple as roasting a leg of lamb and carving thin slices? Or is there a better way to get that classic texture and flavor?

I’ve seen some people use a mix of lamb and beef, ground and packed tightly into a loaf pan. Others say the key is in the spices and pressing the meat after cooking. I’m open to experimenting, but I’d love to hear what’s worked for others.

Understanding Greek Condiments

I’ve noticed that condiments in Greece can vary quite a bit depending on where you are. For example, when I visit Crete, there’s always fresh lemon on the table, and people use it on everything, from meat to greens. In other places, I see a lot of vinegar being used, especially with salads and fried foods.

It got me wondering, what are the most common condiments across different regions of Greece? Do Greeks ever use things like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise at home, or is that mostly in tourist areas?

I know olive oil and lemon are staples, but sometimes I see things on tables that surprise me. Just curious if there are certain traditional uses for these “modern” condiments or if it’s more regional/custom-based. Would love to hear your thoughts or family traditions!

Good Meze for Outdoor Barbecue?

I’m Greek and love to cook traditional food, especially when the weather’s nice and we can eat outside! I often host outdoor dinner parties with a grill going and a table full of friends and family. I’m looking for ideas for meze that hold up well outdoors while everyone’s mingling and waiting for the main meal to be ready.

I usually do the basics like tzatziki, olives, and pita, but I’d love to add a few more options that can sit out for a bit without wilting or drying out. Ideally, things that don’t need to be piping hot or refrigerated immediately—especially since I like the relaxed, come-and-go vibe during grilling.

What are your go-to Greek starters or finger foods for an outdoor setting?
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